One of the most important aspects of growing your business is having the right people with the right knowledge in your workforce. Not only will you need to hire as you expand, but you will need to train existing employees in new processes that will be implemented in your operations to facilitate growth. New Mexico values the growing economic environment by offering programs to assist employers, employees, and job seekers with a variety of programs to help them succeed.

Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP)

New Mexico realizes the importance of a well-developed workforce and as a business expands, employees will need to update their skills. This is the purpose of the state’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP). JTIP has assisted businesses with customized workforce training for more than 40 years, and is one of the most aggressive programs in the nation. Employers and employees alike benefit from the program’s funding of classroom and on-the-job training for newly-created jobs and some incumbent positions in expanding or relocating businesses. The program reimburses 50-75% of trainee wages for up to six months of training.

Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Services

Under the WIOA, which was passed to assist job seekers in accessing employment, education, training, and support services by matching employers with the skilled workers they need, New Mexico has set up four regional offices across the state to carry out this mission.

Northern Area Workforce Development Board: New Mexico Northern Area Local Workforce Development Board (NALWDB) serves Cibola, Colfax, Los Alamos, Mckinley, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Juan, Santa Fe, San Miguel, and Taos counties by promoting business and community partnerships for local economic development. Vocational training and employment services are also provided to meet the demands of a changing workforce.

Southwestern Area Workforce Development Board: The New Mexico Southwestern Area Workforce Development Board serves Catron, Socorro, Sierra, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, and Dona Ana counties by providing a variety of services geared toward satisfying the workforce needs of businesses, job seekers, and youth.

Eastern Area Workforce Development Board: The Eastern Area Workforce Development Board (EAWDB) serves Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Eddy, Guadalupe, Harding, Lea, Lincoln, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt, and Union counties by providing individual training for Adult and Dislocated Workers, Adult and Dislocated Worker On-The-Job Training, and WIA Youth. The EAWDB works with the New Mexico Human Services Department in overseeing the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamp (FS), and Employment and Training (E&T) programs in their twelve county area. The Workforce Connection of Eastern New Mexico provides assistance to employers and job seekers in these eastern counties.

Department of Workforce Solutions

The Department of Workforce Solutions works to bring job seekers in contact with employers and provides support services to provide quality services for each of these groups. Below are a few programs created by the department.

Workforce Connection

The New Mexico Workforce Connection aids job seekers in applying for jobs through informational resources and tips on resume writing, as well as places to look for employment. Employers can benefit from the website by posting jobs, finding matching candidates, taking advantage of incentives, and perusing publications related to job market trends, labor market information, and more. The WorkKeys Assessment System and Apprenticeship Program are two examples of how this department brings employers in touch with potential employees.

WorkKeys

The WorkKeys Assessment System was created to aid employers in finding the best candidates for open positions. Job seekers fill out three skills assessments in applied mathematics, locating information, and reading for information. Other assessments in applied technology, business writing, listening for understanding, teamwork, and workplace observation can also be filled out. The results from each assessment are used to match potential employees with employers according to their specific needs.

Apprencticeships & Internships

Apprenticeship programs are available in many trades, and are designed for people with no experience in the field to learn both on the job and through supplemental learning. An apprenticeship can last anywhere between one and five years, within which time, the apprentice will not only learn the skills of the trade, but will also be prepared to become licensed in his/her chosen field. Apprenticeship programs are registered with the Federal Government or a state agency that has been approved by the federal government. New Mexico’s program is administered by the New Mexico State Apprenticeship Council within the Department of Workforce Solutions. For more information on the program and registration, please see the Apprenticeship website at the Department of Workforce Solutions.

Business operations and technical development should always be considered during a growth phase. Growth activities such as exanding capacity or introducing more product lines can be a difficult process whether you are an experienced business owner or a novice. It is for this reason that the state and other organizations have provided assistance programs for small businesses.

New Mexico Small Business Assistance (NMSBA) Program

The New Mexico Small Business Assistance (NMSBA) Program offers assistance to New Mexico small businesses with a technical challenge that requires special expertise can "borrow" scientists or engineers from Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories. Such projects include testing, design consultation, and access to special equipment or facilities.

Small businesses located in Bernalillo County can receive up to $10,000 in technical assistance per year, while businesses in rural counties can receive up to $20,000. Each lab is eligible for a state tax credit of $2.4 million to assist New Mexico small businesses. The small business must be for-profit, located in New Mexico, U.S.-owned and operated, and must pay gross receipts tax to the State of New Mexico.

ISO 9001 Certification

Every business owner is looking for ways to expand revenue, increase new business opportunities, and optimize efficiency. The New Mexico Economic Development Department along with the New Mexico Manufacturing Partnership provides the tools and knowledge for ISO 9001:2008 certification through the NM 9000 program. Reduced rate certifications are available for New Mexico companies.

ISO 9001:2008 is a quality management system that can be implemented into business operations to provide consistent product and service quality, providing an increase in customer satisfaction. The NM 9000 program was created by the New Mexico Economic Development Department to provide training and assistance to New Mexico businesses in preparing for ISO 9001:2008. Training topics include:

Internal Auditing

Writing Standard Operating Procedures

Writing Work Instructions

Understanding the Standard

Los Alamos Connect

Los Alamos Connect was created through an investment by Los Alamos National Security, LLC (the company that operates LANL) to nurture economic development by assisting small businesses in Northern New Mexico through various stages of growth. Services offered by Los Alamos Connect include:

Los Alamos National Security, LLC delivers $1 million annually for the economic growth and diversification activities of Los Alamos Connect.

While Los Alamos Connect focuses its efforts mainly on the Northern New Mexico counties of Santa Fe, Rio Arriba, Los Alamos, Sandoval, San Miguel, Taos, and Mora, there are situations that make reaching outside of these areas appropriate. Contact their office to see if you qualify for services.